"No—because of his interest in a lady who belonged to another."
"The lady should not have taken Francesca's love so seriously as to have become jealous. When will women understand that when they take our admiration seriously they kill it?"
"Not at all," Dorning returned stoutly. "That is exactly the wrong attitude. I do not understand it in you—you who are so intelligent and sensible about other things. There are so many other things for you to interest yourself in than in these petty love affairs."
Rodrigo straightened. He did not relish criticism. In the next instant, realizing that Dorning was honest in his questioning and rather pleased that he had aroused his quiet guest to such a pitch, he relaxed and asked calmly, "What other interests do you recommend for a reckless and extravagant gentleman, like myself, who now finds himself penniless and equipped for nothing in the world but for amusing the ladies and for being amused by them?"
"If you will pardon me—are you really in straightened circumstances?"
"Yes. I am in debt. Economy was not one of my father's virtues, nor did he take the trouble to develop it in me." Rodrigo, fearing to be misunderstood, added, "Not that I am in need of a loan, you understand. You have done quite enough for me, and I am grateful."
"What are you thinking of doing then?"
"I can either marry the first single rich lady or widow who will have me, or I can sell or rent this place and its contents."
"You would do neither of those two foolish things."
"Why not?" Rodrigo was curious. He was secretly rather pleased at the personal turn the conversation had taken, for, with all his worldliness and experience along romantic lines, it seemed that Dorning's common sense might be valuable in considering the rather dismaying future.